Sprout City Farms’ Post

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Whilst it feels as though we have made such progress with many things in 30 years, there is still so much more to be done to embrace the breadth and depth of careers available in the rural sector and to disseminate that information. Looking in, a farmer role could be seen in a simplistic manner yet those involved in the sector know the complexities at play. Farmers have always been a jack of all trades and, more often than not, a master of them all too. How do we succinctly define what a farmer does to enable a single, inspiring job specification be produced? If we struggle with this seemingly simple task, how can we clearly articulate the opportunities available across the sector which also include those in the auxiliary industries?

Whilst it feels as though we have made such progress with many things in 30 years, there is still so much more to be done to embrace the breadth and depth of careers available in the rural sector and to disseminate that information. Looking in, a farmer role could be seen in a simplistic manner yet those involved in the sector know the complexities at play. Farmers have always been a jack of all trades and, more often than not, a master of them all too. How do we succinctly define what a farmer does to enable a single, inspiring job specification be produced? If we struggle with this seemingly simple task, how can we clearly articulate the opportunities available across the sector which also include those in the auxiliary industries?

[Day 2/7] In our next spotlight highlighting the women of EMILI, we’re featuring Brittanie Parisien (Research Analyst, Skills and Talent). Read on to learn how Brittanie uses her skills at writing and reading to help raise awareness on the career opportunities in digital agriculture. #IWD2024 #ThisIsAgriculture ➡️ Job Title Skills and Talent Research Analyst ➡️ Describe your job in one to two sentences. I compile data and prepare communications to provide insight about the current state of digital agriculture from a skills and talent perspective. I help to engage those with non-agriculture backgrounds to obtain the right skills and training to succeed in the digital agriculture sector. ➡️ What’s your favourite part about working in digital agriculture and agri-food? My favourite part is bringing awareness to the limitless career opportunities the sector has to offer. Specifically, I like getting youth interested and excited about possible career paths in digital agriculture, and making it an enticing sector. Digital agriculture is full of possibilities, regardless of your previous experiences or interests. There seems to be something for nearly everyone. I know this first hand, as I am someone who does not have an agriculture background, but I found a space I enjoy and can succeed in. ➡️ What was your dream job when you were a kid? My dream job was to be a screenwriter, even before I knew what a screenwriter was. All I knew was that I wanted to write movie scripts. I was obsessed with movies and books, and I wanted to combine my two favourite things into a career. I specifically wanted to write movies that were book adaptations. When I was younger, I used to write my own movie scenes from my favourite books, and my cousins and I would act out these scenes. I wanted to make sure every little detail would be included on-screen, until someone told me that my movie runtime would be eight hours long! ➡️ What brought you to your current role? As I was finishing up my degree at the University of Manitoba, I was looking for jobs through the UM Arts Career Apprenticeship Program and found EMILI’s job posting. I was looking for something that was detail-oriented and centered around reading and writing. These were my best skills throughout my university career. Once I started learning more about EMILI, I was very interested in the work they were doing. It seemed like an organization that was making an impact. I knew I could be of value to them while also learning about a sector I hadn’t previously considered — digital agriculture.

The past six months have been a bit of a whirlwind. I moved cities to be with my partner and left behind the farm I literally grew from the ground up. My plan was to take a year off farming altogether to experience what summer looked like when I wasn't tied to the land and exhausted from spending hot days outdoors. Well, a month after moving, I found myself volunteering on a non-profit community farm and a local flower farm. That led to a job offer at the flower farm and the realization that I already found my answer: I belong with my hands in the dirt. Not only do I love spending days in the soil surrounded by birdsong and greenery, but I'm good at it—really good at it. I would have never said something like this even a year ago, but now, more than ever, I realize working on small farms requires intelligence, grit, optimism, attention to detail, quickness, and countless other attributes. Along with this, I'm realizing just how much I know about growing plants. I'm far from knowing it all (that's part of the wonder), but I'm happy to share what I do know through my writing. And I've realized just how much the skills I've learned in farming have impacted my work as a writer. Not only has it brought a knowledge base that allows me to write with first-hand experiences as the guiding light, but that positivity, perseverance, and attention to detail have proved just as helpful when working with words and readers as they did when working with plants and market customers. All this is to say that there isn't one set path, and you can pursue careers others say won't work out. I'm happy I did.

What kinds of career paths can students pursue when they study urban foods? Here's what Eleni Pliakoni, Ph.D., has to say: "Students can pursue a variety of diverse career options when they choose to study urban foods. Many of the students go into extension or may work at farming-related nonprofit organizations. Students can even use their new skills to run their own farm or nonprofit. Of course, they also can continue for a Ph.D. and go the academic route. Our program has a 99% job placement for graduates, which is incredibly important since it means we’re setting students up for success. Many cities are now looking for people who have an understanding of urban food systems, especially to identify food deserts." Read more — https://hubs.la/Q02cGRpG0 #urbanfoods #KStateOlathe

Today is especially bittersweet, marking the end of my summer policy internship with Clean Ocean Action (COA). They are a non-profit working to protect the waters off the Jersey shore via education, advocacy, outreach, policy, and community action. In May, I began developing my summer campaign to promote Clean Ocean Zone (COZ) legislation. Legal protections for the ocean and its valuable marine resources are crucial, especially as companies attempt to industrialize waters that should remain clean, wild, and free. I developed factsheets, brochures, and other resources to display at information and outreach tables at local venues including beaches, boardwalks, concerts, and farmers' markets. To kick off the campaign, I hosted a press conference at Lucky Dog Surf Co. This gave staff, volunteers, and shoreline business owners an opportunity to explain why they oppose ocean industrialization and stand behind COZ legislation. I also trained dozens of volunteers to represent the goals of my campaign and circulate the corresponding resources at information and outreach tables. I scheduled 15 events throughout the summer. Volunteers helped fundraise by collecting donations and selling merchandise I designed to celebrate COA's 40th anniversary. The most crucial aspect of my campaign was developing and circulating a public opinion survey to determine what New Jerseyans want for the future of their ocean. The findings will be used to shape the direction of ocean protection legislation and determine the hopes, concerns, and questions locals have about the waters off the Jersey shore. I used the data gathered from about 200 respondents to formulate an infographic and develop an internal report. To see a summary of the results, check COA's website or various social media pages! I am so grateful to COA's staff, interns, and supporters for making this summer so memorable. The insights I gained and experience I accrued will prove valuable as I continue working toward a career in environmental law and policy.

Fresh Graduate? Volunteering can boost your resume and more! As a recent graduate, you might be feeling the pressure to land that perfect first job. But don't underestimate the power of volunteering! Volunteering isn't just about giving back (although that's important too!). It's a fantastic way to: ✍️ Gain valuable skills and experience: Apply what you learned in school to real-world projects whether you are paid or not. ✍️ Build your network: Connect with professionals in your field and expand your industry knowledge. Anytime you volunteer, you are likely to meet people that you will not meet on a normal day. You may even be lucky to meet great people that can recommend you for a future opportunity. ✍️ Stand out from the crowd: Make your resume shine by showcasing your commitment and initiative. It forms part of your CV. ✍️ Discover your passions: Explore different fields and refine your career goals. Sometimes, you don't know what you are capable of until you start engaging in activities. Volunteering is a win-win. You'll be giving back to your community while building an impressive profile for potential employers. What are you waiting for? Search for volunteer opportunities in your field today! 📷 #DevOndo23 #developondo23 #recentgrad #volunteering #careeradvice

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There are those of us who can still remember the only way to get involved in politics and public affairs often used to be either volunteering and/orunpaid internships with MPs. Those days have just about gone. At the time it certainly limited could take those roles to those who could afford to work for free. Does horticulture have an issue with volunteering, but very much from a different perspective? Are lots of entry level roles now covered by volunteers? Does this limit access to the sector whilst also sending a message that if its not a real paid job, the sector is just a pastime as opposed to a serious multi billion pound sector with highly skilled roles? I thought the question should at least be posed.